Category Archives: Blog

5 Things to Consider Before Starting a Koi Fish Pond

Building koi ponds in your water garden can easily turn a dull environment into a backyard oasis. You can create a relaxing atmosphere in your outdoor space by putting some koi fish and aquatic plants in the backyard pond.

However, there are several things to think about before building koi ponds. You need to think about a few points first because your small koi pond could be a significant time and financial commitment on your part.

To find out whether a backyard koi pond is worth your time and resources, here are a few things to consider.

1. Expenses to be Incurred

Deciding your budget is the first step. Cost varies widely and is determined by the size of the koi pond, the quantity, color, and size of the koi fish, the accessories you choose, and the kind of filtration system. Remember that you also have to consider your koi pond maintenance expenses.

2. Size of Your Backyard Pond Area

Koi fish ponds are one of those things in life where size does matter. Your colorful koi may start out small, but they can grow to be as large as 2 or 3 feet long. So even if you have small fish to begin with, you’ll need to build larger ponds in your outdoor space to ensure they have enough room to grow.

Backyard koi ponds require ample and deep enough space to accommodate the number of fish you intend to house.

3. Other Installations Needed

Even though koi are tough fish, you’ll still need to give them the appropriate equipment to maintain their overall health. For backyard ponds, a mechanical filter system is particularly crucial.

Equipment required for the regular maintenance of keeping koi pond water quality excellent should always be considered. Fish excrement, decaying vegetation, and leftover fish food are just a few factors that lead to the pond being unclean.

4. Environmental Conditions

The climate is one element to take into account. Koi fishes can endure roughly six inches of surface ice in a pond that is three feet deep, but the pond must maintain stable oxygen levels. You can accomplish this using a de-icer or bubbler. A fountain or waterfall is an excellent option to improve your water features’ aeration.

5. Threats From Predators

While you might assume that your beautiful fish are safe enough, many other animals would be more than delighted to turn a big, healthy koi into a meal. To protect your pond’s ecosystem from predators like water birds, you should take extra precautions.

The best defense against predators is to give your fish adequate space to escape. Giving them somewhere to hide beneath rocks or shelves serves the same goal as protecting them from predators. Another alternative is to construct a fish cave within the pond to provide the fish with a safe refuge from predators.

Koi Pond Experts for All Your Pond Needs

A professionally designed koi pond can be a highly gratifying addition to all water gardens, even though it may appear like a lot of labor. Investing in a water feature like this can be a valuable investment, so make sure you hire a professional team to complete your pond construction project.

Count on us to construct your koi pond and have it maintained properly and professionally. Get a free quote and learn more about our services. Contact us at 949-653-2305 at OC Pond Service today!

Fountain or Waterfall: What is the Best Outdoor Feature?

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Do you want your backyard to stand out? Why don’t you try adding an outdoor feature like a garden fountain or waterfall? You will be surprised at the difference a simple water feature can make.

You can add a small pool and you can enhance it with plants and flowers. You can bring yourself closer to nature because the water features will attract animals. Your water feature can also be surrounded by stones, art, and even sculpture to accentuate the yard.

What is a Water Fountain?

Of all the water features that you can add to your yard, the most dynamic of all is a water fountain. It’s a creative way of decorating your property and it has always been a popular choice. Examples of public architecture in the past include great fountains and you must have seen one in a public space before.

A water fountain is a water feature that has flowing water. The water can be shot in a stream or just flow freely. Originally, fountains were used to deliver drinking water to the population of a city, but now they are used mainly as decoration. Modern fountains can be made of stone or concrete and they can be placed outside of a house or a building.

What is a Garden Waterfall?

Another water feature that you can add to your lawn is the garden waterfall. You might not see this type of feature in an urban design, but it is perfect for attracting birds and other animals.

As the name suggests, a garden waterfall is a miniature waterfall that can be located on the property to accentuate its appearance. It can give the yard a more outdoor appearance. To keep the waterfall running, it has to be equipped with a pump.

Water Fountain Vs. Waterfall – What Should I Choose?

So, which should you choose, a waterfall or a water fountain?

That depends because those two serve different purposes. A waterfall is appropriate for a design that is more natural. If you want something that can blend in with nature, then a waterfall is a good choice.

This doesn’t mean that waterfalls won’t work with more modern designs. You can add led lights to it that can make it show up in the dark or you can add an installation to it that would make it more modern.

A water fountain, on the other hand, can be a great addition if you want something more updated. It can be added to your patio and you can even add a led light system to it. You can use a solar panel to power its pump even.

Choose the Best Piece of Outdoor Feature for Your Backyard with OC Pond Fountain Service

If you really want to get the top garden fountain or waterfall for your yard, then get in touch with our team now. We have a wide array of choices, not just for these two types of water features, but others as well.

You are sure to find something that can enhance the look of your garden. Contact us at 949-653-2305 at OC Pond Fountain Service today!

Do Water Features Use a Lot of Electricity? Effective Tips on How to Save Energy

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Water features can be great additions to your backyard or garden, especially if you love wildlife. After you have installed a water feature and an outdoor fountain, you will notice all kinds of animals paying a visit. However, you could be worried about the electrical consumption of a water feature. While it might seem insignificant, it can still add to your overall electrical consumption.

So, do water features use up a lot of electricity? What are the effective tips on how to save energy while using an outdoor fountain? Below, we will go through all of those and discuss other useful information that you might find helpful.

Can I Leave My Water Feature on All the Time?

One of the things which you might be wondering about your outdoor fountains is whether you can leave them running all the time. Is it okay to leave it on at night, especially if you’re on a budget?

There are different types of water features that you can add to your place. You can add a miniature waterfall, a mini pond, a water basin, a lake, a stream, a birdbath, or a spring. If you want something that can be placed indoors, you can get an aquarium with a fish swimming in it. It’s really up to you.

As to the question of whether you should leave a water feature on all the time, the answer will depend on the pump and its capacity. A high-end pump with a large capacity will consume more energy than a smaller one.

Will Running an Outdoor Water Fountain Cost Me Much?

As mentioned earlier, this will depend on the pump you are using and its capacity. There are ways that you can compute the electrical consumption of your outdoor fountain. You’ll need the following details:

Number of hours the pump will run

The wattage of the pump

Electricity unit cost

With that information, you can get an estimate of the amount of how much will be added to your electricity bill if you run your outdoor fountain on a regular basis.

Ways to Save Energy and Reduce the Cost

While an outdoor pump may not add a significant amount to your electricity bill, you should still consider how you can save energy with it.

You should place your water feature in the shade because having it under the sun all the time will accelerate evaporation, which can drive the pumps to work harder.
Use a smaller pump that will not consume as much electricity.
You can get a pump that is solar-powered. This means it won’t add to your energy consumption.

Get the Best Water Features for Your Outdoor Space in Orange County!

Water features like an outdoor fountain can really enhance the appearance of your property. On top of that, they are very animal friendly. Improve your yard now and have something that can bring you close to nature.

If you want the best water feature and outdoor fountain in Orange County, contact us at 949-653-2305 at OC Pond Fountain Service today!

How Can I Make My Koi Pond Hold Water

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Have you recently constructed a small koi pond in your garden, but the water keeps dropping? Observing your backyard pond lose water while unsure where to begin or how to remedy it can be frustrating.

While koi fish can swim in a shallow water garden, they need deeper water to thrive during the hot summer days.

Water loss cannot always be prevented even if your water gardens and pond’s ecosystem are maintained properly. With these tips and recommendations, keep your backyard oasis and your water features in good condition and create a thriving pond for your koi fish.

What Causes Your Backyard Koi Ponds to Not Hold Water

Several factors can contribute to your backyard koi pond losing water. The following are a few examples:

A leak in the koi pond liner
Evaporation of pond water
Too many aquatic plants affect the filtration system
Water splashing and spraying out of a pond due to koi fish
The bank of the koi pond is low and narrow

5 Tips to Hold Water in Koi Ponds

Preventing water loss can be difficult if you don’t know where to begin. You can increase the chance of your koi pond holding water by keeping the following tips and tricks in mind.

1. Ensure that pumps, filters, and plumbing are in good working order

Your koi pond will hold more water if you maintain it regularly and repair any broken fixtures. You should routinely inspect the plumbing system, pumps, and filters of your koi fish ponds to see if there are any leaks. Additionally, you must confirm that they are working properly.

2. Evaporation should be reduced

Science demonstrates that to reduce evaporation, you must reduce the amount of surface area exposed to the sun, the temperature of the water, and the wind speed. Giving the pond area the right amount of shading can reduce evaporation. Since this is an organic, cyclical process, rainfall makes up for evaporation-related water loss in your water garden.

3. Ensure pond plants are maintained or removed if necessary

You need to know which plants in your koi ponds require more water than others. This category includes plants like water hyacinths, water lilies, water iris, and water hawthorn that bloom in the summer and typically extract excessive water. Eliminating these plants could be a remedy for this.

4. Direct the rocks properly to prevent splashes and sprays

Splashes and sprays can significantly increase the water loss from the pond. You must keep a close eye on this to see if this is causing the water loss. If it does, make an effort to arrange the rocks in your pond’s waterfall stream properly. This will lessen the water splashing and spraying when it hits your backyard pond’s rocks.

5. Widen the bank and place them properly

For a backyard pond to hold its water, proper edging is crucial. Avoid placing tiny stone fragments straight on the edge because they frequently slip away. Paving slabs, turf, and fixing lower margins can also be used to edge the pond effectively.

Professional Pond Repair Service for Regular Maintenance Needs

When you don’t have the time or resources to make sure your water fountain is cleaned, maintained, and repaired, hiring a professional offers many benefits.

Count on us to handle your koi pond repair and regular cleaning needs efficiently and effectively.

To learn more about our services, contact us at 949-653-2305 at OC Pond Service today!

7 Best Water Garden & Outdoor Pond Accessories

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Building your outdoor water pond is only the first step to living the water feature lifestyle. You’ll also need to fill it up with accessories to stand out. From aquatic plants to spitters, here are seven great ideas to accessorize your water garden!

Add A Walkway

Adding stepping stones to your outdoor water pond enables a more immersive experience. Instead of just watching the water from the sides, you can walk over it and see it at different angles. Plus, it encourages everyone to explore your garden.

Illuminate Its Surroundings

Make the most of your garden pond with lighting! Accessories like lanterns, festoons, and spotlights will dance across the water, letting you admire it even at night. Solar-powered LED fountains also light up with a kaleidoscope of colors.

Install A Waterfall

Adding a waterfall to garden ponds is an easy way to oxygenate the water. At the same time, it brings a constant and calming sound of cascading water. If you already have a waterfall, try adding a second smaller one, which can result in a more visually interesting pond. Using rocks, you can also enhance that first waterfall by tweaking the sounds that it makes.

Set Up A Fountain

Like waterfalls, fountains improve the aeration and beauty of your water garden. That’s why, if you’re not into the idea of adding a second waterfall, you can get a fountain instead. The best places to add it are along the side or in the middle, where it can serve as a centerpiece.

Get A Spitter

Your third option for pond aeration is spitters. As the name suggests, they produce a steady stream of water for the pond. These playful water features can be added anywhere you like, though they’re typically found at the center. Don’t be afraid to be creative, though, and place them where they’re least expected.

Add Fish

Taking care of fish is an excellent way to bring your water garden to life. It can also alleviate stress while you relax by the pond, feeding them and watching them swim. If you already have fish, you should consider adding one from a different species to expand the ecosystem. You should be able to get some easily from your local pet store.

Place Aquatic Plants

Water lily pads are a safe choice for water plants. They can provide shade, improve the water quality by controlling algae growth, and serve as a haven for your fish from predators; their vibrant color is just a bonus. There is an almost infinite selection of water lilies available online or at garden centers and pond shops, including hardy and tropical species.

Get The Garden Pond Or Water Garden Of Your Dreams Today

You can easily install pond accessories like floating plants and lights by yourself, but some can be too technical. If you plan on spicing up your water garden with a waterfall or fountain, you’ll need professional services from OC Pond Service! Learn about our landscape services and more when you call 949-653-2305 today.

How To Grow Colorful Water Lilies In A Water Pond

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Water features, like a garden pond or small pond, in your backyard already create a magical atmosphere. Imagine what it can do if you add colorful waterlilies into the mix.

If you don’t have any ideas as to how to go about it, don’t worry. We’ve laid out five easy steps just for you! But before that, let’s discuss the benefits of adding aquatic plants to backyard ponds.

Benefits of Adding Aquatic Plants To Backyard Ponds

Vegetation in your garden pond is essential for aesthetic and practical reasons. Known as aquatic plants, they help liven up the environment while keeping the water clean and aerated. They may also offer partial shade for the fish, serve as food, and manage algae growth.

Steps To Growing Water Lilies For Your Outdoor Water Pond

Now that we know why adding plants to your outdoor water pond is so important, let’s go through the five steps of planting color water lilies.

Step 1: Pick Your Container

You can choose a container with or without drain holes; it’s your choice. What’s important is that it’s shallow and spacious, roughly eighteen inches wide and ten inches deep. If you choose to get one with drainage holes, make sure the container is lined with burlap. That keeps the soil in and the pond water clear.

Step 2: Get Heavy Bagged Soil

Instead of light potting soil that can easily escape your pot, use heavy-bagged soil specifically for use in the garden. Avoid using soil mixed with materials like peat moss, vermiculite, or perlite. Use aquatic fertilizer pellets instead to enhance the soil. Simply push the pellets into the soil before you plant.

Step 3: Clean Your Water Lilies

Examine the tubers and remove old leaves and roots before planting to ensure they develop new roots, leaves, stems, and flowers. Only newly formed leaves, buds, and younger roots should be left behind.

Step 4: Add Tubers and Grave

Remember that tubers should be planted with their growing tips pointed up at a 45-degree angle, facing the center of the pot. They should also be placed around the sides of the pot to give them ample space. Then, prevent soil from leaving the pot by covering it with gravel. You can either use tiny stones or pea gravel.

Step 5: Place The Plant In Your Backyard Pond

Lower the plant while still in its container at a slant into the pond so excess air can escape. Have the pot’s bottom at a depth of 12 to 18 inches. All the leaves will rise to the top and float there. If the pond is deeper than 18 inches and there are no ledges for it to rest on, you will need to use rocks to keep the container at the ideal depth.

Hire Professionals To Install Water Gardens, Your Pond Liner, And More

While planting lilies for your water garden is easy enough to do all on your own, there may be other, more complicated water features like waterfalls that you would need help with. Whether it’s your garden’s very first pond or your next koi pond that you want, we’re sure that we can help.

To get a free quote and get the best deals on landscaping services, contact OC Pond Service at 949-653-2305 today!

How To Clean An Outdoor Water Fountain

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No matter how big or small they are, outdoor fountains are a surefire way to liven things up in your backyard.

While they are stunning works of art, they can become an eyesore quickly if you don’t clean or maintain them properly.

To make it easier for you, we’ve broken down the typical process of cleaning your outdoor water fountain!

Read Your Water Fountain’s Manual

Use an incompatible chemical for your fountain could lead to permanent harm. That’s why, before anything else, you should read the manufacturer’s manual. Make sure to find out about the materials used to create your fountain so that you only use the proper tools and chemicals.

Empty Your Fountain

To completely drain the fountain basin, a wet/dry vac may be necessary depending on its size. Pull the pump’s plug from the wall before discarding all the water and letting the basin dry completely to prevent the engine from overheating.

Rinse Your Fountain With Clean water

Fill the fountain up and let it flow with running water. Make sure all the lines are clear by flushing them out first. You can also use a rag so you can rinse the fountain properly. While doing so, see if there are any algae stains that may require more attention later on.

Clean Your Fountain Pumps

Remove the pump from the fountain and disassemble it in a well-lit area. Don’t use substances that aren’t specified as safe by the manufacturer, and make sure that you thoroughly rinse your unit after using soapy water to clean it.

Soap can destroy a pump in less than a day. For those hard to reach places, you can use an old toothbrush.

Unclog Spouts And Tubing

It may be necessary to use specialized equipment to clean the fountain’s piping and tubing. For an easy yet effective way, you can use a pipe cleaner.

Avoid further clogging by making sure each tube is thoroughly cleaned. After that, you should inspect your tubings as blocked lines may burn out the pump and even cause leaks.

Wash The Basin

Rinse off the fountain basin and refill it with clean water. Some fountains can be cleaned with high-pressure washing methods, although you have to check first if that’s safe to do on your fountain. To maintain a sparkling appearance, pressure washing is a great option for cleaning cast stone fountains.

Scrub Off Dirt and Stains

Scrubbing the affected area with a toothbrush and some detergent should help you remove dirt and other debris. However, note that some stains may be harder to get rid of compared to others.

Dish soap can be used to remove most stains from a fountain basin if you don’t have any other cleaning supplies on hand, but you may need to put in some extra effort.

Rinse Out Your Fountain Again

You’re almost done. Eliminate lingering chemicals on your fountain’s surfaces, the drain the basin once again with the wet/dry vacuum. See to it that the fountain’s basin is spotless. You need to be sure that you have successfully eliminated all traces of algae from your fountain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Even after reading through the steps above, you may have more questions about cleaning and maintaining your outdoor fountain. Below are a few questions that you may have.

How much would it cost me for an outdoor fountain repair?

It depends on the age of your fountain or the complexity of the job. Water fountain repair can cost you about $500 to $1,200.

How can I remove the mineral buildup on my fountain basin?

You can scrub off calcium buildup or any other natural mineral with a soft bristle brush or sponge

How would I know if it’s time to get a replacement pump?

You would know that it’s time to get a replacement pump if there’s a coolant leak, rust or corrosion, or whining noises. Other signs include an overheating engine and radiator steam.

Get Professional Help For Your Dirty Or Broken Fountain

Looking for someone to help you fix or clean your water fountain? How about someone to set it up for you?

Orange County Outdoor Water Fountain Designs can do it all. Allow us to give you the garden of your dreams. Contact us at 949-653-2305 and ask for a free quote today!

7 Best Types of Pond Fish for Garden Ponds

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7 Best Types of Pond Fish for Garden Ponds

Building a garden pond is always a fun and exciting process. From digging a pond hole and adding a filtration system to decorating it with aquatic plants and rocks, there’s never a dull moment.

If you already have your pond set up, you probably can’t wait to start filling it up with fish. Before you head to the store, though, you should first learn about the different species that could survive and thrive in backyard ponds.

Here, we break down the best fish to get for your backyard pond!

1. Koi

Koi have evolved to thrive in the great outdoors, making them an excellent choice for your garden pond. They are extremely resilient and can handle hot and cold temperatures. The only downside is that they can grow to over two feet! You can keep them in smaller ponds when they’re younger and just around five to seven inches, but you may have to transfer them to a large pond after some time.

2. Catfish

Some pond owners would actually argue that it’s a bad idea to have catfish as pets in an outdoor pond. That’s because they tend to bite and kill fish that are sometimes even bigger than they are. Most of the time, they’re laid back, but you never know when they might flip the lid. Our advice is to be cautious and don’t place them in a pond with defenseless fish like koi or goldfish.

3. Sterlets

The sterlet is a wonderful fish to keep in your pond due to its adaptability and ability to thrive in colder climates. Their average age is between 22 and 25, they can be distinguished by their black skin, white stripes, and fimbriated barbels.

Keep in mind that some of the proteins in commercial pellets may be too difficult for them to digest. In addition, sterlets can become entangled in aquatic plants, so don’t put too much water plants.

4. Common Goldfish

Common goldfish are generally peaceful creatures, and they can get along with almost anything in the pond. However, you should be careful as smaller types of goldfish can fall prey to fish like golden orfes. Temperatures between 68 and 72° F (20 and 22 degrees° C) and pH levels between 7.2 and 7.6 are ideal for goldfish.

5. Weather Loaches

Weather loaches can tolerate water temperatures between 40 and 77 °F (4.5 and 25 °C), allowing them to survive winters in outdoor ponds. As they are quite sociable and prefer to congregate in small groups with others of their kind, you will want to acquire many of them.

Plus, they may reach a height of a foot and are not discriminating eaters. They’ll happily chow down on almost anything including algae, insects, veggies, and food pellets.

Types of Fish That Pond Owners Should Avoid

Since there are ideal fish to add to small ponds, there are of course going to be bad ones. Before you build a pond, try not to get the types of fish below.

Fancy Goldfish

Fancy goldfish are known to be slow and clumsy, so it would be a bad idea to place them in a pond. When it’s feeding time, they’ll easily be left behind and may even starve to death. They’re also incredibly vulnerable to illness and infection.

Plecostomus

Plecostomus should never be kept in a pond unless you are in a tropical climate. P lecos are often introduced to ponds in an effort to control algae growth. Unfortunately, these fish are used to warmer climates and won’t survive the cold. Their carcass could then cause serious water pollution that can kill off other species.

Hire Professional Garden Pond Services Today

Need help installing your garden pond? You’ve come to the right place. The OC Pond and Fountain Care design team is equipped with materials and in-depth knowledge for all your water feature needs.

We can help you decorate, clean, and maintain your pond by adding essentials like pond liner, decorative rocks, and more.

To begin, contact us at 949-653-2305 and get a free quote today!

Outdoor Water Fountain Maintenance Tips

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There are a variety of outdoor garden water fountains to choose from, allowing you to choose one that suits your yard perfectly. To enhance the element of style and charm to your backyard, garden, or patio, installing an outdoor fountain is one of the best options you can make.

The fountains can be decorated with a sculpture or recognizable figurine as a part of the design that gives them a more pleasing appearance. You will usually be able to pick the size of outdoor fountains based on what suits your personal tastes.

However, in the absence of proper care, it’ll lose its appeal and aesthetics. It is best to keep in mind the importance of broken fountain repair. Wind, rain, dirt, and debris can damage them if they are not maintained and cared for properly.

Can You Repair a Cracked Fountain?

In maintaining your outdoor water fountain, cracks and damages are a significant concern. Now, you may wonder if it is possible to repair a cracked fountain—the answer is yes!

There is a possibility that these fountains can chip or crack over time due to the weather and other elements. As long as you catch cracks in fountains before they become a serious problem, most can be repaired.

When performing a fountain repair, it is important to ensure that the material used is compatible with the fountain’s—epoxy-based patching materials work best with concrete fountains, while waterproof silicone sealant or similar fillers work on metal or fiberglass fountains.

Tips on How to Clean Your Outdoor Water Fountain

In comparison with an indoor fountain, keeping an outdoor fountain clean can be challenging. Outdoor fountains are exposed to the wind, leaves, dirt, animals, rain, snow, and raindrops, depending on their climate. Indoor fountains tend to gather dust and fingerprints.

In general, cleaning a smaller fountain will take less time, unless there are many intricate parts to take care of. Larger fountains, on the other hand, are able to hold more water and therefore have more space for deposits to accumulate.

Empty the Fountain of Water

It will be necessary to drain all the water from the fountain basin. The first step to draining a fountain is to read the maintenance instructions and learn how to disassemble the pump as well as which chemicals to use.

It is crucial to unplug the pump before draining your water fountain to prevent burnout or wearing down.

Depending on the size of the fountain basin, you can scoop the water out using a pail or pitcher. Remove any debris to avoid clogging the pump. As an alternative, you can always siphon the water from the container with a hose, or use a wet & dry vacuum to completely empty the fountain basin.

Clean the Water Fountain Pump Thoroughly

In order to keep the fountain pump free of debris and obstructions, it is important that the pump is cleaned every three months. For more information about how to detach your pump, please refer to your owner’s manual.

Remove any debris or buildup from the pump with a cloth to make sure it is thoroughly clean. Wash the inside of the pump by opening the cover and wiping it down. Using an old toothbrush, you can clean out hard-to-reach places.

It is very important to rinse your pump off to remove any soap that might be left on it and to avoid using chemicals that have not been approved by the manufacturer. Rinsing your pump off completely after washing can prevent it from being ruined by soap within a day. You will need no replacement pump for a long time if you perform regular pump maintenance.

Scrub Clean Your Outdoor Water Fountain

Water fountains can be cleaned with soapy water depending on how often they are maintained. Algae removal products are needed if there is extensive algae growth. Algae growth is more prevalent in fountains located in the sun than those situated in the shade.

Cleaning your fountain with a non-abrasive tool is always recommended, no matter what the material is. It is a good idea to buy a dedicated cleaning solution for water features or to fill a bucket with warm water mixed with a little mild dish soap.

Use rubber gloves when scrubbing the inside and outside of your water feature with a cloth, or a non-abrasive brush if dealing with tough stains. When it comes to cleaning small nooks and crannies around the house, an old toothbrush can come in very handy.

Maintaining the appearance of your fountain is as easy as wiping it down every four to six months to prevent a buildup of dirt and debris. It is also a good idea to take a deeper look every few months. Make sure you use a mild cleanser and a non-abrasive brush to clean the bowl.

Rinse Clean Your Outdoor Water Fountain

The fountain’s walls should now be rinsed to remove any chemicals. You don’t want any cleaning solution left behind since you are likely to attract birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. Wildlife and your pets may occasionally help themselves to your water feature if it sits low to the ground.

Inspect the basin of your fountain to ensure that all stains have been removed. Algae can come back quickly so you need to be sure that you have completely removed any algae from your fountain during this process.

You may also want to consider adding an animal-friendly water treatment product to your water fountains when refilling them with water. This will help reduce algae growth.

Hire Professional Pond Repair Service for Your Needs

In the event that you do not have the time or resources to ensure that your water fountain is cleaned, maintained, and repaired, it is still recommended to hire a professional to do the task.

You can rest assured that we will take care of all of your outdoor fountain repair and cleaning needs in an efficient manner while doing it the right way.

Get a free quote from us and to learn more about our services, contact us at 949-653-2305 at OC Pond Service today!

Repair Kits for Preformed Molded Ponds: Doing it Yourself

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Specifically, preformed molded ponds utilize butyl rubber liners or plastic liners to establish the shape of a garden pond or even koi ponds. These kinds of garden ponds are typically installed in-ground or above ground and surrounded by concrete, which could deteriorate and crack with time.

Over time, cracks or other damage to the pond liner can cause a decrease in the level of the pond water aside from water evaporation. Don’t worry, you can purchase a pond repair kit for your leaking pond liner.

The following are steps to fix preformed pond problems in your yard using DIY kits.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix Your Preformed Molded Ponds Using Repair Kits

In order to fix a leaking pond liner, you should first make sure it’s the liner and not something else that’s causing the leak. Following the identification of the leak’s cause, it’s time to decide how to fix it.

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to fix molded pond problems using repair kits:

Remove Fishes, Pond Plants, and Drain Your Pond

When you empty your garden pond, fill the holding tank, buckets, or other containers with pond water and remove the pond’s fish, plants, and rocks. This way, they won’t be affected by the falling water level when you drain the pond.

Locate the Leak and Clean the Pond’s Surface

After locating the leak, you may mark the leak’s location in the liner with a grease pencil or other marking tool.

Leaks in preformed liners are often noticeable cracks or tears, but they are hard to locate in shallow ponds. Search for wet spots around the area to find where the leak is.

Apply an Adhesive Compound

If you are using a patch kit that includes an adhesive compound, apply a thin layer around the leak—it is typically epoxy or another adhesive and needs to be set up slightly before the patch can be applied.

This step can be skipped if your patch kit does not contain an adhesive compound.

Use the Patch to Cover the Leak

The patch should be removed from its paper backing if it has one. Cover the leak with the patch, but be sure to avoid air bubbles or wrinkles in it that could further allow water to leak and let the adhesive set fully.

Depending on the bond, this could take up to a few hours or even a day.

Dry Your Pond and Do a Leak Test

When the pond is dry, refill the pond using your garden hose. Check the water level from time to time to see if leaks are still there. The best way to determine if your pond is leaking is to fill it up with water and then check if a leak is still present or if there are wet patches around the pond.

Refill Your Pond with the Fishes, Plants, and Water

Add fish, aquatic plants, or stones you removed earlier back in the pond, and add the water where they were placed to the repaired pond to help the fish adjust. Do not forget your pump and filtration system to protect your backyard pond from dirt and debris, and can prevent algae growth.

Hire Professional Pond Repair Service for Your Needs

When a garden pond liner is damaged or has small holes, you can fix them yourself, but if the hole is large or there is a great deal of damage, you should let professionals replace it with a new liner.

Our team of pond experts at OC Pond Service will help you with any pond liner leaks and garden repairs. We can even recommend a high-quality pond liner for a long-lasting garden pond. We also install a high-quality backyard pond or beautiful water features that create a serene outdoor space for you and your family to enjoy.

To learn more about our services, you may contact us at 949-653-2305 at OC Pond Service today!